Minnesota tree trimmer charged in coworker’s death after on-the-job horseplay turns deadly

A tree-trimming employee in Apple Valley, Minnesota, Christopher Boone Crimmins, has been charged with manslaughter after allegedly crushing his coworker Tyler Anthony Lynch’s head with a hydraulic grapple. The incident occurred while the two were reportedly ‘f—ing around’ with shadows cast by the machinery and the victim. Crimmins is accused of maneuvering the grapple without monitoring its proximity to Lynch, leading to the fatal injury. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

• Christopher Boone Crimmins, 34, is charged with second-degree manslaughter.
• The incident involved a hydraulic grapple crushing coworker Tyler Anthony Lynch’s head.
• Authorities state the men were ‘f—ing around’ with shadows before the accident.
• Crimmins allegedly maneuvered the grapple without realizing its proximity to Lynch.
• Lynch was pronounced dead at the scene.
• Crimmins faces up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine if convicted.